FDC wants immediate govt action in Apaa

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The opposition Najjanankumbi-based Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has called on the Government to urgently intervene in the ongoing Apaa land conflict between residents of Adjumani and Amuru districts, warning that the dispute could spill over to other parts of the country.

The conflict in Apaa, situated along the contested boundary between Amuru and Adjumani districts, dates back to 2012, when the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) conducted forceful evictions of residents, claiming the land had been gazetted as part of the East Madi Wildlife Reserve.

Addressing journalists at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, FDC spokesperson John Kikonyogo expressed concern that the situation could escalate further if not addressed promptly.

“It is surprising how the Acholi and Madi have lived together peacefully for so long, and then the conflict suddenly erupts with such intensity. We are worried these events might spill over to other parts of the country,” Kikonyogo said.

On April 12, 2025, President Museveni reaffirmed that the longstanding conflict will be resolved through the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which was established on April 3, 2023.

The President made the remarks while officiating as chief guest during Peace Day Celebrations held at Yumbe boma grounds in Yumbe district, where he also announced plans to meet Members of Parliament from the Acholi and West Nile sub-regions.

"I will meet with Members of Parliament from both the Acholi and West Nile sub-regions, but let it be clear—the real resolution will come from the findings and recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry," the President said.

Politicians accused of fuelling violence

Earlier last week, security authorities accused some political leaders of fuelling the renewed violence in the long-running Apaa land conflict between the Madi and Acholi communities.

Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, the Commander of the UPDF Fourth Infantry Division, told journalists during a press briefing on April 10, 2025, that certain political actors are inciting hostility between the two groups.

According to Busizoori, the latest wave of violence began on February 27, 2025, when a 50-year-old man, identified only as Mwesige, was killed by unknown assailants in Offu village, Ukusijoni subcounty, Adjumani district.

He added that on Thursday, another attack claimed the life of a local farmer, Mohamad Adui, in what is believed to have been a revenge killing, allegedly instigated by a politician.